With the general manager's chair now open in Hockeytown, speculation continues to swirl around who will take over the coveted role for the Original Six franchise.
While several names from around the league's upper management ranks have surfaced as possible in-house or external hires, one name that has generated buzz because of his deep roots in Detroit, Jim Rutherford, appears to be a non-starter, according to at least one prominent NHL insider.
Appearing on Tuesday's episode of Daily Faceoff's "The Sheet," Jeff Marek addressed the chatter surrounding Rutherford, the three-time Stanley Cup-winning executive and former Vancouver Canucks president of hockey operations. Marek said that, to his knowledge, there has been no traction between the Red Wings and Rutherford regarding the GM opening, and that he had heard nothing to suggest Rutherford is part of Detroit's search.
The connection between Rutherford and the Red Wings runs deeper than most may think. Detroit selected Rutherford 10th overall in the 1969 NHL Draft, and he went on to play 457 career NHL games over 13 seasons, with 314 of those starts coming in a Red Wings sweater across 10 seasons.
He posted a 97-165-43 record with a 3.69 goals-against average and an .876 save percentage during an offensive-heavy era of the league.
Jeff Marek: Re Red Wings management search: To my knowledge there is nothing between the Red Wings and Jim Rutherford; to my knowledge not part of the process - The Sheet (7/28)
— NHL Rumour Report (@NHLRumourReport) July 28, 2026
Rutherford's front-office career also has ties to the Windsor-Detroit corridor as he landed his first job in hockey management as general manager of the Ontario Hockey League's Windsor Spitfires from 1984 to 1988.
He would go on to then served as president and GM of the Detroit Compuware Ambassadors, later renamed the Detroit Jr. Red Wings, from 1990 to 1994. That role set up his biggest career leap, joining the ownership group of the Hartford Whalers as a minority owner, president and GM, his first NHL job since his playing days ended.
Rutherford held those three titles through the franchise's relocation to Carolina, remaining in charge of the Hurricanes through the 2014-15 season before departing to become general manager of the Pittsburgh Penguins.
He stayed on as a Hurricanes owner through the end of the 2015-16 season before fully stepping away. Rutherford remained with the Penguins until resigning in January 2021, after which he joined the Canucks' front office as president of hockey operations, briefly holding the interim general manager title as well before it passed to someone else.
Now 77, Rutherford appears to be entering a new phase of his hockey journey, shifting into a senior advisor role with Vancouver, stepping back from day-to-day decision-making after a career that has spanned 45 years in the sport.
Rutherford's career has been a decorated one, winning three Stanley Cups as an executive, one with Carolina in 2006 and back-to-back titles with Pittsburgh in 2016 and 2017, and earned the Jim Gregory General Manager of the Year Award in 2016.
In 2019, he was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in the Builder category, cementing his standing as one of the most respected hockey minds of his generation.
Given that résumé and his stated desire to scale back, Marek's report that the Red Wings and Rutherford have shown no real interest in each other for the vacancy is likely a mutual sentiment.
Rutherford appears poised to enjoy a lighter workload in Vancouver while remaining connected to a game and a league he has now been part of for nearly half a century, leaving Detroit's search for its next general manager to play out among a different field of candidates.
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LAS VEGAS, NV - JULY 11: The sneakers worn by Allen Graves #22 of the Toronto Raptors during the game against the Houston Rockets during a 2026 NBA Summer League game on July 11, 2026 at the Cox Pavilion in Las Vegas, Nevada. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2026 NBAE (Photo by David Dow/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
The crown jewel of the 2026 MLB trade deadline is undoubtedly two-time Cy Young Award winner Tarik Skubal. The Tigers' lefty has missed some time due to injury this season, but still boasts a remarkable 2.70 ERA on the season while striking out 11 batters per nine innings pitched.
In a sense, this has been Skubal's best season. His strikeout-to-walk ratio is the highest it's ever been at 8.46. His FIP (2.68) is still elite and below where his ERA currently stands. All that to say that every team in position to contend for a World Series this year should be dialing the Tigers' number and trying to get their paws on Skubal.
Of course, not all trade destinations are built the same. Here are the five best landing spots for Skubal. Rankings are listed with consideration for which teams would most benefit from adding Skubal and which teams would have the best World Series opportunity with the addition of Skubal.
Tarik Skubal trade landing spots
5) Milwaukee Brewers
Between Jacob Misiorowski, Kyle Harrison, and Shane Drohan, the Brewers already have a very solid top-three for their playoff rotation, and could turn to guys like Chad Patrick or Logan Henderson as a fourth starter if need be. While adding Skubal would give the Brewers the greatest 1-2 punch we've seen since Roy Halladay and Cliff Lee on the Phillies in 2010.
Milwaukee should focus more on offensive depth or a legitimate shutdown closer. If they were to snag one of the league's top trade targets at this year's deadline, Mason Miller would be better suited for Brew City than Skubal.
4) Los Angeles Dodgers
While the Los Angeles Dodgers have the money and the prospects to do whatever they want, they don't NEED to add Tarik Skubal. Still, that might just happen.
After injuries to Blake Snell and Tyler Glasnow, the Dodgers are lacking in pitching depth. While both Snell and Glasnow are expected to be back well before the postseason, the Dodgers have a history of struggling with pitcher injuries and could just opt to grab someone like Skubal as insurance. Crazy to think that a two-time Cy Young Award winner could be an insurance policy for a team already at the top of World Series oddsboards.
While Skubal would certainly widen the gap between the Dodgers and the rest of the league, the Dodgers would be better served going for a reliable innings eater who wouldn't cost as many prospects like Kevin Gausman or Robbie Ray.
3) Atlanta Braves
The Atlanta Braves may already have an ace in Chris Sale, but the team could certainly use some more elite starting pitching. The Braves don't really have a No. 2. They have four No. 3's, so adding Skubal would make make their rotation much more fleshed out and sound for the postseason.
That said, the Braves will have some pitchers returning from injury soon. Guys like AJ Smith-Shawver, Spencer Schwellenbach, and Spencer Strider. Adding Skubal would give them more pitchers than they need, but would likely be enough to hold off the Philadelphia Phillies for the NL East crown for the rest of the regular season. There are upsides and downsides, and there is potential that any of those three pitchers named earlier suffers setbacks in their recovery process.
2) Tampa Bay Rays
The Rays aren't normally a team that is willing to take a big swing at the trade deadline, but in recent years, they've sure tried to be that team. In the final year of Shohei Ohtani's deal with the Angels, the Rays made a play for him, offering two great prospects in Junior Caminero and Carson Williams for Ohtani. That didn't happen obviously, but it's evidence that the Rays are willing to offer.
While the Rays would probably be best served going after some consistency at the top of their lineup with a guy like Luis Arraez, the addition of Skubal would elevate an already solid pitching staff into elite status. With how weak the American League has been this year, adding Skubal would all but put the Rays in the ALCS as is.
1) Chicago Cubs
With how great the Cubs' lineup has been all year, the Cubbies should focus solely on adding starting pitching at the deadline. While every other team on this list has at least one pitcher you could consider an ace, the Cubs lack much at all from their rotation. Matthew Boyd and Shota Imanaga have been the best pitchers for the team and neither boasts an ERA under 3.70.
Skubal elevates the Cubs more than any other team in the league, and if the Cubs have been able to get to 14 games over .500 with mediocre starting pitching, adding someone like Skubal who could pretty much guarantee them three wins every four starts would be a huge addition, brining the Cubs up to the level of the Dodgers, Brewers, and Braves in the National League. It might even be enough to lift the team into NL Central title contention.
When is the MLB trade deadline?
The MLB trade deadline is set for Monday, August 3 at 6 p.m. ET.
PHOENIX, ARIZONA - JANUARY 16: Head coach Mike Brown of the Sacramento Kings reacts alongside De'Aaron Fox #5 during the second half of the NBA game against the Phoenix Suns at Footprint Center on January 16, 2024 in Phoenix, Arizona. The Suns defeated the Kings 119-117. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Well, folks. We’ve reached that part of the offseason.
Aside from looking for a third center and figuring out the two-ways, there’s basically nothing for the defending champions to do aside from polish their trophy until they head to training camp in September.
How do we fill this void? Personally, I like watching baseball over the summer, but I’d imagine a lot of you are Mets fans, and that might not be a positive experience. But on this site? Let’s get creative.
Welcome to Knicks Domino Effects, where we look at divergence points in the past that could’ve changed everything for the 2026 NBA champion New York Knicks.
Some of these will be extremely small moments you might not be familiar with. Others will be quite obvious, which you’ll see down the road.
Today, I’m starting this series niche. This video by well-known ex-SB Nation contributor Kofie Yeboah talks about a random 2024 game between the Kings and the Pistons that set off a pretty crazy domino effect in the NBA landscape. It’s a good watch, so I’ll link it below, but we’ll go into what it actually would’ve meant if it didn’t happen:
For those who want a TLDR, here’s what we’re going off of.
It’s December 26, 2024. The struggling Sacramento Kings lead the Pistons by three with 10 seconds left. Detroit has the ball and calls timeout.
Kings head coach Mike Brown, in the huddle, emphasizes one thing in particular: guard the perimeter. There shouldn’t be an opportunity for a hard closeout. The only thing that can beat you is a three. Get up on the three-point line and defend. If they’re gonna make a three, make them drain it in your face.
De’Aaron Fox apparently didn’t listen. He sagged off Jaden Ivey, realized too late, and fouled him. He made the shot. The Kings lost the game, falling to 13-18, on a play they entered up by three points on.
Mike Brown ribbed him after the game. It was deserved ribbing, and even though Fox has never had real issues with Brown, somehow this got blown out of proportion. The losing, coupled with some colorful press conferences, led to Brown’s dismissal the following day. The best coach that the Kings had in two decades was canned, a move that exemplifies why bad organizations stay bad.
Two years later, Brown is on top of the world as an NBA champion. The Kings are directionless.
Obviously, it’s a lot more complicated than saying one moment caused everything, but let’s have fun.
What if Fox listened to Brown in the huddle and this didn’t happen? Hell, let’s say that he just misses his assignment and allows the three, sending it to overtime, where the Kings would still have a chance to win.
How would things have changed?
SACRAMENTO, CA – DECEMBER 26: Head Coach Mike Brown of the Sacramento Kings coaches during the game against the Detroit Pistons on December 26, 2024 at Golden 1 Center in Sacramento, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2024 NBAE (Photo by Rocky Widner/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
We start at this exact play. Malik Beasley swings it to Ivey, who takes advantage of a sagging Fox and buries a game-tying three. Instead of hitting Ivey, Fox flies by. Game tied, overtime.
The Kings were the better team for three quarters in this game, only getting blitzed in the fourth. It was a perfect duel between Fox and Cade Cunningham, but let’s say, for the purpose of this exercise, that Fox wins this duel in overtime, hitting a go-ahead 15-footer with 4.5 seconds left to get a much-needed win for the Kings. He and Brown embrace after the game. Monte McNair and company hold off on a coaching change.
The Kings aren’t good, so the seat never fully cools down, but they did play better over the course of the season under Doug Christie in real life. Let’s assume the front office backs off the nuclear option and instead decides to change personnel. They were reportedly interested in guys like Zach LaVine and Kyle Kuzma, but they won’t get either of those here.
Fox getting traded was an organizational shift by the Kings. He demanded a trade after extension talks fell apart and hitched a ride to San Antonio at the 2025 trade deadline. The timing of Brown’s firing makes you think that Fox didn’t like him, so keeping Coach Brown wouldn’t have changed things… right?
Wrong.
Every media report says that Fox had nothing to do with Brown’s firing. In fact, if Fox had been consulted about his coach during this rough stretch, he probably would’ve saved his job, but the delusions in Sacramento made both of them expendable.
If Brown stays, Fox likely does too. The Kings finish the 2024-25 season with a 37-45 record (slightly worse than IRL, to account for a potential post-firing jolt). They lose to the Mavericks in the 9-10 play-in game, but exit meetings go well, and they give Brown a short leash going into next season.
A month after the Kings decide to keep Brown for the 2025-26 season, the Knicks fire Tom Thibodeau. They begin a five-week hunt for their next head coach, sifting through candidates. In real life, they decided on Mike Brown.
In our scenario, Brown isn’t available. The Knicks call the Kings to request an interview and are denied. They are now deciding on a reduced field of candidates.
Your next head coach is either Wolves assistant Micah Nori, former Grizzlies’ head coach Taylor Jenkins, former Hornets’ head coach James Borrego, or… Dawn Staley?
Anyway, we have no idea who gets this job. No candidate reached a second interview except for Brown, who’s now unavailable, so let’s make an educated guess.
Welcome to the New York Knicks, Taylor Jenkins.
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – JANUARY 27: (NEW YORK DAILIES OUT) Head coach Taylor Jenkins of the Memphis Grizzlies in action against the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden on January 27, 2025 in New York City. The Knicks defeated the Grizzlies 143-106. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Jenkins has playoff head coaching experience, something that the Knicks valued in Brown, and a defensive attitude that would help a team that struggled on that end against the Indiana Pacers. It’s a different stylistic coach than Brown, sure, but there’s no Brown Lite we can go off of.
So let’s head to the 2025-26 season. Pretty much everything stays the same.
The Knicks are good, but underwhelming. The Kings are bad. Brown’s seat is red-hot.
In mid-January, with the Kings sitting at 17-24 after a home loss to the Knicks, they fired Brown and installed Christie as interim head coach. They finished the season 10-31 and missed the play-in with just 27 wins.
The Knicks finish 52-30 and are the No. 3 seed in the Eastern Conference. It is truly impossible to tell what would’ve changed with Jenkins instead of Brown, but I believe there was too much talent for things to get bad. The 2-9 stretch probably still happens, but who cares. Jenkins was dismissed in Memphis because he and Ja Morant had major issues. I doubt that happens in this locker room.
Does Jenkins make the necessary adjustments to truly turn this team into a juggernaut midway through that Hawks series? Tough to say, but I’m still projecting this team in the NBA Finals. Why? After scraping by the Hawks in seven games, they’re facing two teams that just aren’t as good as them. Philly pushes it to five, and the Cavs push it to six, but both of these series are relatively stress-free.
Meanwhile, in the West, the Spurs emerge after a tricky path. The Blazers give them real trouble in the first round, and they struggle to shake off an injured T-Wolves team. They still barely eke out the Thunder, although this is maybe the least confident I’ve been in this entire experiment.
So it’s Knicks-Spurs again. Boring, right?
Here’s the change.
Jenkins isn’t an offensive guru like Brown is, so this is a reality where the Knicks never changed their offensive philosophy mid-playoff run. The Spurs are even more focused on denying Jalen Brunson and forcing a less confident version of both Mikal Bridges and Karl-Anthony Towns to make plays.
The Spurs don’t let go of the rope and win Game 1. After the Knicks turned around and won Game 2, they lost Game 3 as regularly scheduled, to go into that big Game 4, even more crucial this time.
It’s hard to tell if the Knicks ever go down by 30 as they did in Game 4, but let’s say they do. They trail by one with 20 seconds left when Brunson badly misses a floater, and the ball ricochets out to center court. We know what happened here; play the footage:
But instead of Fox grabbing that ball and allowing Anunoby to be the hero with the greatest two-way sequence in NBA history, it’s Dylan Harper, who allows himself to be fouled. Brunson misses the three on the other end, and with a three-point deficit instead of a one-point deficit, the focus is on a rebound and kickout, which doesn’t happen in time.
Why is Harper there instead of Fox? Quite simple.
Despite being on the court at the exact same time as Fox, he would be running point guard in our alternate scenario and be in his spot, while Keldon Johnson or Julian Champagnie spawn elsewhere on the court.
That’s because Fox is still in Sacramento.
If you remember from earlier, Fox wanted a trade because Mike Brown was fired. In this scenario, Brown keeps his job a year later, and Fox stays put, only throwing a fit and demanding a trade in January 2026 in the final year of his contract, but wherever he ended up, it wouldn’t have been the resurgent Spurs, who are more than happy to give the keys to Harper and Stephon Castle. Maybe he ends up in Chicago in a more direct version of the Zach LaVine trade.
With no Fox, the Spurs close out Game 4. His veteran presence stabilized them enough during the regular season, but he was an active detriment towards the end of their playoff run. Taking him away from San Antonio allows Harper to explode into stardom.
The Knicks barely won in real life in Game 5 with a Herculean Brunson effort, smelling blood in the water, and a stinker from Fox. Remove the last two? Knicks in 5 becomes Spurs in 5.
No Fox, no Brown, an entire series is flipped on its head.
And it all dates back to this one niche moment back in December 2024. What happens from here?
The Spurs are NBA champions and a dynasty in the making. The coronation of Victor Wembanyama is underway, so that NBA2k cover actually makes sense now.
For the Knicks? Everything changes. They retain Jenkins after a Finals run, but Leon Rose feels the pressure knowing there are two Western Conference juggernauts that are heads and shoulders above the rest of the NBA.
Mikal Bridges and Karl-Anthony Towns are shipped to Milwaukee for Giannis Antetokounmpo in a desperation move. We’re so close, and these two haven’t fit in their two years here; let’s make a Big 3 for the ages. Remember, there were reports that the Bucks were hoping that the Knicks lost the Finals so that they’d get more aggressive in pursuing him.
REPORT: There’s “increasing belief” the Bucks could hold off on a Giannis trade until after the NBA Finals to see if the Knicks blow 2-0 lead.
“Might [New York] re-enter the sweepstakes in response to the disappointment?”
But it doesn’t end there. Remember the beginning of the LeBron saga when Rich Paul met with Max Kellerman to discuss the future of his client?
Rich Paul on LeBron James to the Knicks 😳
“If the Knicks hadn’t won, there would be no board. He’d be going to the Knicks…. Jalen Brunson would literally have to pick up the phone and say ‘hey man, there’s no issue with me.’ They (Knicks) have checked in.”
That’s right. After a three-week process, LeBron James signs with the New York Knicks, not the Philadelphia 76ers, teaming up with Brunson and Antetokounmpo to try and end a 54-year drought. It’s as all-in as a team has ever been in NBA history.
So that’s the landscape. The Spurs are champions. Fox is a Chicago Bull. Mike Brown might be working at ESPN or maybe take the head coaching job in Orlando to give life to that utterly horrid offense. The Knicks have a starting lineup of Brunson-LeBron-Anunoby-Giannis-Mitch, as James Dolan goes over the second apron for one year to pursue a championship. Maybe Jaden Ivey is still in the NBA somehow.
Crazy how something so little can lead to something so big.
Local fans may recall that Danny Rockett organized a night with the support of John Baker where local bloggers would come together for an evening of Cubs content, raffles and a fundraiser to benefit a local charity. Great news for 2026, John Baker Day is back! This Thursday, July 30 at 7:00 p.m. CT, former Cubs catcher, mental skills coach, and Cubs folk hero John Baker will join fans live for John Baker Day, streaming on YouTube, Facebook, and X.
Since the first John Baker Day a decade ago, the event hosted by Danny Rockett and the Son Ranto Ranter community, has raised thousands of dollars for causes ranging from women’s shelters to youth baseball organizations like Lost Boyz Inc.
This year, Cubs fans have the opportunity to help launch something entirely new: Trap Door Theatre’s world premiere production of The Game, an original baseball backdropped musical farce written by Danny Rockett and scheduled for Summer 2027.
The live show will feature stories from John’s playing career, memories from that legendary July night at Wrigley, updates on his new mental performance company Intentional Performance, Cubs guests, live music, trivia, giveaways, and plenty of surprises throughout the evening.
Cubs fans can join in the fun by:
Watching the live broadcast on July 30 at 7:00 p.m. CT.
Bidding in the John Baker Day Auction, with winners announced live during the show.
Purchasing raffle tickets for chances to win Cubs memorabilia and experiences
Donating to the tax-deductible John Baker Day – The Game GoFundMe, where every dollar donated will be matched up to $5,000 thanks to a generous matching gift.
Auction Highlights Include:
12 weeks of mental performance coaching from John Baker’s Intentional Performance.
An Anthony Rizzo autographed bat.
Original Cubs artwork and memorabilia from Danny Rockett’s personal collection, including pieces by beloved Cubs artist Matt Kammerer.
The chance to sit with Cubs superfan Bleacher Jeff in his legendary Section 504 seats, complete with lunch at the historic site of the Battle of Wrigleyville Dogs.
Raffle Prizes Include:
An unopened bottle of 2016 World Series Championship Champagne.
A signed Patrick Wisdom baseball and artwork by Matt Kammerer.
Gift certificates from Penguin Imprints and In The Clutch Shirts.
Whether you’ve celebrated every John Baker Day or are just discovering one of the Cubs community’s most beloved traditions, this year’s event promises laughs, stories, incredible memorabilia, and another opportunity for Cubs fans to rally around a great cause. After all, John Baker Day has never really been about one baseball game. It’s about the friendships, generosity, and community that make being a Cubs fan unlike anything else in sports.
ARLINGTON, TEXAS - JULY 25: Joc Pederson #3 of the Texas Rangers runs to first base during the game against the Seattle Mariners at Globe Life Field on July 25, 2026 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by John E. Moore III/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Texas Rangers lineup for July 28, 2026 against the Tampa Bay Rays: starting pitchers are Cal Quantrill for the Rangers and Griffin Jax for the Rays.
The first place Texas Rangers take on the first place Tampa Bay Rays in beautiful St. Petersburg, Florida, this afternoon/evening. It is the start of a six game road trip leading us up to the trade deadline, two series against playoff contenders that could significantly impact which direction the Rangers will go.
No pressure.
The lineup:
Pederson — DH
Langford — LF
Duran — SS
Nimmo — RF
Carter — CF
Burger — 1B
Lopez — 2B
Smith — 3B
Wynns — C
5:40 p.m. Central start time. Rangers are +150 underdogs.
WASHINGTON, DC - FEBRUARY 01: DeMar DeRozan #10 of the Sacramento Kings drives to the basket against Will Riley #27 of the Washington Wizards during the first half at Capital One Arena on February 1, 2026 in Washington, DC. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Scott Taetsch/Getty Images) | Getty Images
The Washington Wizards have held “some conversations” with DeMar DeRozan, ESPN’s Shams Charania reported Tuesday.
REPORT: The Wizards have held conversations with free agent DeMar DeRozan.
“You think about a team that’s clearly trying to compete around Anthony Davis, Trae Young and AJ Dybantsa.”
ESPN reported that DeRozan, who turns 37 in August, has drawn interest from the Miami Heat, Denver Nuggets and Cleveland Cavaliers in free agency.
The six-time NBA All-Star forward averaged 18.4 points per game across 77 games with the Sacramento Kings last season. He spent his previous years with the Toronto Raptors, San Antonio Spurs and Chicago Bulls.
DeRozan is a savvy veteran known for his mid-range scoring prowess. His 26,711 career points rank 16th on the NBA’s all-time scoring list.
The Wizards have one remaining roster spot and roughly $11.5 million in luxury tax space. They also own the full non-taxpayer mid-level exception, which is valued at roughly $15 million, to offer a free agent.
If Washington signs DeRozan, its already crowded rotation would welcome another proven veteran alongside Khris Middleton on the wing. Depth is a good problem to have, but it’s unclear whether DeRozan’s would immediately be part of the Wizards’ rotation.
DETROIT, MI - AUGUST 20: Jake Rogers #34 of the Detroit Tigers looks on from the field during the game against the Houston Astros at Comerica Park on August 20, 2025 in Detroit, Michigan. The Tigers defeated the Astros 7-2. (Photo by Mark Cunningham/MLB Photos via Getty Images) | MLB Photos via Getty Images
Well this is a peculiar first move for trade deadline season. Jake Rogers, the longest tenured Detroit Tigers player, has been designated for assignment. Eduardo Valencia was recalled on Sunday and will be taking over the backup catcher duties. Rogers’ roster spot will go to Javier Báez, who returns from a three-month absence after suffering a high ankle sprain at the end of April.
The 31-year-old Rogers made his major league debut with the Tigers back on July 30, 2019 after coming to the Tigers in the trade that sent Justin Verlander to the Houston Astros in August of 2017. He finally became the Tigers primary catcher in 2021 before tearing his UCL and requiring reconstruction surgery that cost him all of the 2022 season. In 2023 and 2024 Rogers put together good seasons based around his defensive ability, plate discipline, and the occasional burst of home run power. He was worth 4.7 fWAR across those two years, but since that point his offensive contributions collapsed as Dillon Dingler took over the everyday catching role. This season, Rogers’ defense finally showed real signs of cracking as well. He’s hitting .161/.266/.301 for a 60 wRC+ which ranks him 48th out of 59 catchers with 100 plate appearances or more this season.
Despite his struggles, two part-time White Sox catchers, and numerous others, are even worse offensive players than Rogers. 11 catchers with 100 plate appearances or more have a lower wRC+ than he does. It won’t be a surprise if he gets claimed, and the Tigers will probably get a lottery ticket prospect of little value in return. The problem for Rogers going forward is that his defensive numbers have declined this year and he’s finally grading out below average. Whether that’s partly the result of lack of playing time is hard to say, but hopefully he’ll be claimed somewhere. If he clears waivers and is outrighted the Tigers will still be on the hook for the rest of his $3.05M salary for 2026. That’s not much, but every dollar matters with the team over the payroll threshold.
Valencia is far and away a better hitter than Rogers, so that should provide a little support to the offense. On the other hand, Valencia isn’t that good behind the plate, particularly in terms of holding opponents’ running game in check. Still with Rogers defensive numbers in decline, perhaps Valencia won’t do worse. The Tigers will probably just lean into Dingler catching most days down the stretch either way after trying to keep him somewhat rested with plenty of DH days so far this year.
Getting Báez back could be pretty helpful to the Tigers although it’s just funny to look at Báez as a way to trim strikeouts in the lineup by taking over some of the workload from James Outman. It will be interesting to see how he’s deployed. With Kerry Carpenter out with a foot injury, the outfield needs help. It needed help anyway. We’ll see if Báez is back to full speed and can get back to playing a solid enough center field. If he’s back to 100 percent, that also gives the Tigers options, with Báez getting some time at shortstop and around the infield to get another right-handed bat into the lineup. Either way, it’s good to have Javy Báez back, and hopefully further support for the outfield isn’t too far away as Max Clark will be available to be called up without spoiling his 2027 rookie eligibility as long as the Tigers wait until mid-August.
Perhaps Rogers will clear waivers and just end up accepting an assignment back in Triple-A. He’s obviously very well liked in the clubhouse and has had future coach written all over him for a long time. We’ll see if there’s still major league work left for him as a catcher, or whether it’s time to start thinking about moving over to the instructional side. Probably a team will pick him up on the cheap, at least for a little while. Either way, best of luck to the Sheriff.
Draymond Green was always returning to the Golden State Warriors. That was never in doubt, even after he opted out of his player option to give the Warriors the financial flexibility to chase LeBron James and other free agents.
Now Green is officially back, agreeing to a one-year, $27.7 million contract that is essentially the same one he opted out of, a story first reported by Shams Charania of ESPN, who was informed by Green's agent, Rich Paul.
If the Warriors had been successful in landing LeBron, Green likely would have signed a multi-year contract at a lower first-year salary, reports Anthony Slater of ESPN. Now Green, Stephen Curry, Jimmy Butler and Brandin Podziemski will all be in the final year of their contracts. The Warriors can extend Curry starting Aug. 29, and give him up to two years, $135 million, if he wants it (he may choose to wait to re-sign, giving the team more financial freedom to add to the roster).
Green played in 68 games for the Warriors last season, averaging 8.4 points, 5.5 rebounds and 5.5 assists per game, shooting just 41.8% from the floor (32.6% from 3). However, Green's real value comes as a passer and secondary playmaker, plus the nine-time All-Defense forward is still a high-level defender.
The Warriors also are expected to make official soon the signing of De'Anthony Melton for two years, $11 million. That would leave the Warriors about $8.3 million below a hard cap at the second apron with 12 players on the roster. Expect them to sign two more players to minimum deals, leaving the 15th and final roster spot open heading into the season.
PITTSBURGH, PA - AUGUST 13: Brian Giles #24 of the Pittsburgh Pirates looks on from the field after batting against the St. Louis Cardinals during a Major League Baseball game at PNC Park on August 13, 2003 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. The Pirates defeated the Cardinals 6-5. (Photo by George Gojkovich/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Welcome to SB Nation Reacts, a survey of fans across MLB. Throughout the year we ask questions of the most plugged-in Pirates fans and fans across the country. Sign up here to participate in the weekly emailed surveys.
We have an interesting question for you this week. We are asking you to take a Pittsburgh Pirates player from the last 25 years and add them to this year’s roster. The only catch is that our content management system only allows for six answers, so you are beholden to the six players that I selected.
Andrew McCutchen (MVP Version)
2013 NL MVP
Five straight All-Star selections
Four Silver Sluggers
Jason Bay
2004 NL Rookie of the Year.
Four straight 30-homer caliber seasons in Pittsburgh.
Middle-of-the-order force.
Brian Giles
One of the most underrated hitters in baseball.
Outstanding OBP of .426 and 165 homers during his Pirates years.
Gerrit Cole
Ace of teams that made the playoffs.
Didn’t fully become “Gerrit Cole” until Houston, but he was excellent in Pittsburgh with a 3.50 EAR 1.27 WHIP.
Starling Marte
Elite defender, baserunner, and hitter.
Two Gold Gloves and one of the best all-around players of the era.
AJ Burnett
36-28 record with 3.34 ERA during Pirates year.
532 Ks in three seasons in Pittsburgh.
Cast your vote, tell us in the comments, and we’ll be back soon with the results!
A second
former Montreal Canadiens player has had his day with the Stanley Cup after the
Carolina Hurricanes won Lord Stanley’s mug last June. About 10 days ago,
Nicolas Deslauriers got to spend some quality time with the Stanley Cup. On
Monday, Jesperi Kotkaniemi got his turn as he took the most highly sought
trophy in hockey back home, in Finland.
According
to the former third-overall pick's Instagram account, he took the Cup back to
where it all started for him: the arena where he played with Assat Pori in the
SM-Liiga. Pori’s also his hometown, so it was a real homecoming for the
centerman.
While
Kotkaniemi didn’t get to play a single game in the playoffs, he still met the
requirements to have his name on the Stanley Cup since he played 41 regular-season
games with the Hurricanes in the regular season. It was probably not the fashion
in which he dreamt of winning the championship growing up in Finland, but at
the end of the day, he still has his name on the precious trophy and can check
winning a Stanley Cup off his bucket list.
Photo credit: Jesperi Kotkaniemi Instagram
The pivot
is under contract for another four years with the Canes at a $4.82 M cap hit.
He’s halfway through the puzzling eight-year deal he was signed to by Don
Waddell back in March 2022, months after being poached from the Habs with a
single-year offer sheet that had a $6.1 million cap hit.
Kotkaniemi
never got more than 43 points in a season, despite being a very high draft pick.
It looks like he will never live up to the lofty expectations the Habs had when
they picked him third overall in the 2018 draft, or those the Canes had when
they signed him to both the offer sheet and the eight-year contract extension.
Some
believed the Hurricanes would be buying him out this offseason, but that didn’t
come to be. However, there were reports that Carolina told teams who wanted to
trade for RFA defenseman Alexander Nikishin that they would have to take Kotkaniemi
in the deal. Unsurprisingly, both Nikishin and Kotkaniemi remain part of the
Hurricanes right now.
Real Madrid's Croatian forward #11 Mario Hezonja (C) aims a throw next to Valencia's US forward #07 Braxton Key during the EuroLeague "Final Four" semi-final basketball match between Valencia Basket Club and Real Madrid Baloncesto at the Telekom Center Athens in Athens on May 22, 2026. (Photo by Angelos Tzortzinis / AFP via Getty Images) | AFP via Getty Images
The Cleveland Cavaliers formally agreed to a deal to sign forward Mario Hezonja earlier this week. If only it were that simple. Hezonja is currently having trouble being released from Real Madrid as the Spanish club argues that Hezonja missed his window to leave for the NBA.
Hezonja had an NBA out clause in his contract that was to be exercised by July 20. That has become a point of contention since he missed that window and did not secure an NBA deal until July 26.
“The Cavs and other teams have been pursuing Hezonja this offseason in hopes of capitalizing on a July 20 NBA out in his Real Madrid pact,” said Marc Stein. “The Spanish giants have reportedly pushed back on releasing the Croatian forward since he did not have his NBA team lined up until July 26.”
Cleveland has been linked to Hezonja since earlier in the summer, but, understandably, was holding out on making a move until LeBron James had announced his next decision. The Cavs were hoping to land a big fish. Instead, they chose the consolation prize of taking Hezonja on a minimum deal. That’s why this process didn’t advance until James signed with the Philadelphia 76ers.
Does this mean the Cavs will miss out on Hezonja, too? Probably not.
Stein also reported this today:
“Cleveland has yet to formally sign Mario Hezonja but is “working through” the needed steps, one source close to the process tells @TheSteinLine, to make the deal official. Hezonja and the Cavaliers agreed to a one-year minimum deal Sunday after LeBron James chose Philadelphia.”
Real Madrid will argue that Hezonja did not notify them in time of his buyout window. How far they are willing to argue is undetermined. But one potentially simple solution would be paying a fine and sending money back to Real Madrid to settle everything.
The likely report this morning came from the idea if they won't let him leave for the NBA, Hezonja's side may argue then the clause lets him leave but the NBA may disallow it.
The other way to solve this is giving back more money to Real Madrid.
If you’re thinking this feels like a lot to deal with for a minimum player, you’re probably right. We’d all like this process to be simplified. Still, there’s a chance it’s all handled swiftly and over before we know it.
"It's funny to me that people that don't have rings and saying, 'He's a ring chaser,' No. He's continuing to chase," O'Neal told Smith. "He's chasing the chance to continue to be great, to continue to add legacy to his book. Listen, he knows, well he doesn't really know yet, but you know and I know when this thing is over, it's over. You can't come back. Once you retire, once your body says I can't go no more, it's over."
"This guy feels he has two, three more years left," O'Neal continued. "Why not try to get another championship? I did it. I did it with Boston. After I won three in a row and then won one in Miami, hey, towards the end of my career, let me go play with Paul and KG and be like the fourth guy and rebound and set picks and see if I can win one. And that's what he's doing."
O'Neal's one season with the Celtics became his 19th and final year as an NBA player. He played in just 37 games during the regular season and made just two playoff appearances due to injury.
O'Neal's run with the Celtics was preceded by a one-year stint as a teammate of James with the Cleveland Cavaliers during the 2009-10 season. He won three NBA championships in a row with the Los Angeles Lakers (2000-02) and a fourth title with the Miami Heat in 2006.
Why Shaq feels 'sorry' for Tyrese Maxey
Though O'Neal made it a point to defend James in front of Smith, one of James' noted antagonists, the Hall of Fame center and 'Inside the NBA' host also expressed skepticism about how the Sixers' new starting lineup will fit together. He called the roster "fabulous" on paper, but singled out Tyrese Maxey as "the person I feel sorry for" with Jaylen Brown and James added this offseason.
"He came in a regular guy. Joel Embiid was hurt most of the year. Tyrese rose up like, 'Hey, I'm the star. This is my team,' " O'Neal said. "Now you bring Jaylen Brown in. Is he going to take a step back? Not only that, you bring LeBron in, is he going to take another step back? Now Joel comes in shape and he wants to play, (Maxey's) going to have to revert back to being a regular guy. And will that affect him?
"He was becoming a star," O'Neal added, "and sometimes somebody, one or two people on that team is going to have to defer. Defer to who, I don't know. Whether it's defer to Jaylen, defer to LeBron, defer to Embiid, I don't know. But four big-name guys, everybody can't get off every night."
In Philadelphia, James will attempt to become the first player in NBA history to win championships with four different teams.
Even with his concerns, O'Neal was unequivocal when discussing expectations: "It's championship-or-bust for LeBron and Jaylen."
The team and forward Draymond Green agreed Tuesday, July 28 to a one-year, $27.7 million contract, a person with direct knowledge of the matter confirmed to USA TODAY Sports.
The person spoke under the condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to publicly disclose terms of the deal.
The contract is exactly the same amount Green would’ve earned in his player option, which he declined in late June. The arrangement suggests that Green opted out to offer financial flexibility for the Warriors to pursue other players, like James, in free agency and trades.
In fact, Golden State is the only team in the NBA to not add a player through a trade or free agency this offseason, which represents something of a failure for a team that did not qualify for the postseason.
The Warriors did select former Michigan standout Yaxel Lendeborg with the No. 11 overall pick, but the Warriors will now try to straddle the line between building for the future — with Green at 36 years old, Stephen Curry at 38 and Jimmy Butler (who is coming off a torn ACL) at 36 — and competing right now.
Yet, as the San Antonio Spurs and Oklahoma City Thunder remain poised to contend, and as teams like the Denver Nuggets and Minnesota Timberwolves remain steady, Golden State’s aging roster may find it difficult to match the play of those squads.
Draymond Green stats
A four-time All-Star and four-time NBA champ, Green averaged 8.4 points, 5.5 rebounds and 5.5 assists across 68 games this season for Golden State. Known for his defensive prowess, Green is a nine-time All-Defensive selection.
BALTIMORE, MARYLAND - MARCH 28, 2026: President of baseball operations and general manager Mike Elias of the Baltimore Orioles looks on prior to a game against the Minnesota Twins at Oriole Park at Camden Yards on March 28, 2026 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Chris Bernacchi/Diamond Images via Getty Images) | Diamond Images/Getty Images
Welcome to SB Nation Reacts, a survey of fans across MLB. Throughout the year we ask questions of the most plugged-in Orioles fans and fans across the country. Sign up here to participate in the weekly emailed surveys.
During the recent Orioles press conference about the Kyle Bradish contract extension, principal owner David Rubenstein said of his president of baseball operations Mike Elias that “we couldn’t be more pleased” regarding the job that he has done.
Taking that at face value, the question has been answered, Elias will remain the boss of the Orioles front office no matter what happens with the remainder of the season. There are plenty of examples across the sports landscape of why not to take those kinds of proclamations at face value. The “dreaded vote of confidence” is its own recognized part of the manager/GM hot seat. Almost nobody ever directly says, “Things need to improve or we’re going to fire this guy.” They just say nice things when asked and fire the person when they want to fire them.
In this week’s survey question, I want to know what you think is going to happen. Is Elias going to be around for next year, or not? Vote in the poll here:
I have thought for a while that if the Orioles do not make the postseason this year, then Elias should be gone at the end of the season. Let someone else figure this thing out, because his answers aren’t getting the Orioles where they need to be.
At this writing, there is about a 25% chance of the Orioles making the postseason. I hope that Rubenstein is more prepared to have some accountability for multiple years of underachieving than his Bradish presser remarks suggest.
What do you think? Make sure to vote above, and let us know in the comments below.
